By Blake Jackson
Farm workers in New York have historically been excluded from collective bargaining rights. However, a 2019 state law made New York one of three states in the country where farm workers have the strongest right to join a union.
The United Farm Workers, a California-based union, has successfully organized five upstate orchards or farms since the law was passed. However, upstate farm owners are challenging the law in federal court, arguing that it gives unions too much power and disadvantages employers.
The union is seeking "agency shop" contracts with farms, which would require all workers to pay dues or fees to the union. The union is also documenting alleged abuses by farms, such as retaliation against pro-union workers.
The battle over farm worker unionization in New York is a microcosm of a larger debate over the rights of workers in the United States. Seasonal visa workers, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, are particularly vulnerable to retaliation and exploitation.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: New York, Business